The America’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade announces that parade entries that were declined for

2018 will be given the opportunity to adjust their parade applications for this year’s parade.

“All Grand Parade entries are evaluated the same, and are expected to meet the same entry
requirements, out of the 120 applications, 22 were declined, including the four LGBTQ groups Encircle,
Mormons Building Bridges, Provo Pride, and Queer Foods. They did not meet the specific requirements.

Those reasons have nothing to do with prejudice or discrimination. The Festival firmly stands for equal
opportunity. However, the parade is a 4th of July celebration of America, not a special interest-oriented
parade. We again invite all these groups to adjust their entries to meet Parade requirements and to
reapply for this year’s event. All people, regardless of race, faith, or sexual orientation, are welcome to
join us in celebrating America’s independence this July 4th.”

After working extensively with a number of these groups, and explaining the parade expectations, the
Freedom Festival was disappointed that their applications continued to focus on their special interests
and agenda and continued to not meet the requirements for parade.

During the last year we have learned much about the encouraging things that many of these groups are
doing and the positive impact they are having on many lives in our community. For this reason we are
opening up the door for re-consideration as we would love to celebrate AMERICA together with them.

Here are the guidelines and standards from the parade application:
“Every application must include a clear and detailed description of the entry, the acts, feats,
performances or actions of all accompanying participants, list of any music to be performed or
which will accompany the entry and include a picture or conceptual drawing. The submitter must
clearly describe how their entry’s inclusion will support and enhance vision, mission and values of
the Freedom Festival. The completed application must also establish that the entry is sufficiently
unique and entertaining to be part of the Grand Parade. The Parade Committee reserves the right
to refuse an entry into the parade if, in its sole judgment, it determines that the entry is political,
partisan/social issues, unlawful, obscene, vulgar, defamatory, offensive to local community
standards, or otherwise considered to be inconsistent with the standards, theme, quality, or
purposes of the Freedom Festival.
All applications will be reviewed by parade leaders for completeness, compliance to all Freedom
Festival requirements and each entry’s entertainment value. Upon acceptance, each entry will be
notified of such acceptance in an email with a link to pay for their entry. Once payment is
received, a spot in the parade will be reserved for the entry.”
Specifically, as modified applications are considered the following recommendations will help applications
be more successful:

In the spirit of being as clear about what will be considered and acceptable

A. How will this applicant be adding to the celebration of the parade, America and the 4th of July? For
example: Carrying American flags, dressing in red, white, and blue, having a patriotic message.
B. The parade is not interested in large groups marching along the parade route. Anything over 150 is a
large group.
C. The message in the signage or announcement must be about the message of celebrating America,
not a group advertisement. This especially applies if this the group is a special interest or issues related.
Let’s celebrate America, pure and simple.

For those groups interested in modifying their applications for reconsideration may meet at the Freedom
Festival Office today, Thursday, June 14th, at 3:00 p.m. to answer questions and must have their modified
applications into the Freedom Festival Office by Friday afternoon, June 15th at 5:00 p.m. or sent by email
at the same time.